Henman's confidence still sky high for Wimbledon

Tim Henman is in confident mood ahead of Wimbledon despite his first-round defeat in the Stella Artois Championships at Queen's Club.

Tim Henman is in confident mood ahead of Wimbledon despite his first-round defeat in the Stella Artois Championships at Queen's Club.

Henman is regarded as one of the favourites for the Wimbledon title and believes his run to the semi-finals of the French Open in Paris will boost his chances of success on home soil.

"I couldn't be more enthusiastic and confident about the way I've been playing. Over the past six months I am excited over the way I have been playing," added the British No 1. Henman also believes his unexpected run to the semi-finals at Roland Garros shows he is well-equipped to win at Wimbledon. "I feel my tennis has come a long way," he said. "I've been playing some good tennis. Where it's highlighted is on a surface like clay where the contrast is so marked between the styles."

Henman also felt his first-round defeat at Queen's would not damage his Wimbledon chances. "I'm in the semis of a Slam on clay and lose in the first round at Queen's," he said. "Being able to have a break is quite nice. It's nice to relax before the serious business of Wimbledon."